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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The office of justice of the peace, originally |
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created in 1362 by King Edward of England, and the office of |
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constable, created in 1215 by King John of England, were two of the |
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first offices established in the American colonies in 1620; and |
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WHEREAS, Both offices were created by the Texas Constitution |
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and serve a vital role in the delivery of county government |
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responsibilities to citizens on the local level; and |
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WHEREAS, Justices of the peace are an integral part of the |
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Texas judiciary; they exercise jurisdiction in criminal |
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misdemeanor cases punishable by fine or sanctions and exercise |
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civil jurisdiction in matters in controversy under $5,000; first |
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established as "grass roots" courts in 1836, when Texas became a |
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republic, they preside over those courts closest to the people; and |
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WHEREAS, Constables serve as officers of the court as |
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bailiffs, execute civil and criminal process issued by Texas |
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courts, and enforce criminal laws as certified peace officers; they |
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were first documented in Texas by Stephen F. Austin in 1823, when |
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Texas was still under Mexican rule; and |
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WHEREAS, The Justices of the Peace and Constables Association |
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of Texas, Inc., has represented the interests of more than 4,000 |
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Texas justices of the peace, constables, and members of their |
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staffs for more than 60 years; and |
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WHEREAS, The men and women who accept the responsibilities of |
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the offices of justice of the peace and constable perform their |
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duties with integrity, dedication, and required knowledge of the |
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law, thereby contributing immeasurably to the justice system, the |
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safety of Texans, and the peace and order of our society; and |
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WHEREAS, The dedication of a special day at the Capitol to |
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focus attention on these public officials heightens awareness of |
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the important contributions they make benefiting citizens across |
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the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 25, 2009, as Justices of the |
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Peace and Constables Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the association as an expression of high regard from |
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the Texas House of Representatives. |